Bubbling is one of the most common and troublesome issues that can occur after installing non-infill artificial grass. It not only ruins the appearance and playability of the field but also accelerates fiber wear, adhesive failure, and reduces overall lifespan. Most bubbling originates from mistakes made during installation—such as poor base preparation, uneven tension, improper adhesive use, or environmental interference. Once it appears, repairing it is costly and time-consuming. This comprehensive guide breaks down preventive measures into three stages—pre-installation preparation, installation process, and post-installation maintenance—drawing from VivaTurf’s standardized non-infill grass installation system to help users prevent bubbling from the very start and ensure long-term field stability and flatness.
1. Pre-Installation Preparation: Eliminating Hidden Risks Before They Begin
Most bubbling problems can be traced back to pre-installation oversights. Three critical aspects—base preparation, material readiness, and environmental evaluation—must be strictly controlled:
Base Preparation: Flat, Dry, and Clean for a Solid Foundation
A smooth, stable base is the cornerstone of non-infill grass installation. Uneven or damp foundations are the main culprits behind bubbling.
Flatness: The surface must be leveled with a tolerance of ≤2mm over 2m. Depressions over 3mm should be leveled with cement mortar (cement:sand = 1:3). Any cracks wider than 2mm should be filled with elastic sealant after cutting a V-shaped groove.
Dryness: Surface moisture must not exceed 8%. Cement foundations should cure for at least 28 days; asphalt bases must cool for at least 48 hours. If the foundation is damp, trapped moisture can cause vapor bubbles under the turf.
Cleanliness: The surface should be free from dust, oil, and debris. Power washing and wiping with a neutral cleaner ensure optimal adhesive bonding.
Material Preparation: Proper Tension and Adhesive Compatibility
Material quality and compatibility determine installation success.
Turf tension release: Before installation, unroll and lay the turf flat for 24–48 hours to release “memory tension.” Avoid direct sunlight and excessive stretching.
Adhesive selection: Always use dedicated non-infill turf adhesives like VivaTurf PU adhesive, not general-purpose glues. Match the adhesive type to the turf backing (PP, composite) and foundation type (cement, asphalt, or permeable). Check the shelf life—never use expired products.
Accessories: Use fiberglass seam tape (≥20cm wide, ≥200g/m²) for stronger bonding. Apply pressure using a 50kg rubber roller to ensure uniform adhesion.
Environmental Assessment: Choose the Right Installation Window
Environmental conditions significantly influence bonding quality.
Temperature: Install between 5°C and 35°C. Below 5°C, curing slows; above 35°C, adhesives can dry too fast, trapping air.
Humidity: Relative humidity should not exceed 80%. Avoid installation during rain, fog, or strong winds (≥Level 4).
2. Installation Process: Precision Execution to Eliminate Bubbling Risks
Installation is the most critical phase, where even small errors can lead to bubbling. The key steps—turf placement, adhesive application, seam pressing, and edge treatment—must follow strict procedures.
Turf Placement: Controlled Tension with Sectional Fixing
Stretch turf uniformly in one direction, fixing it in 2m×2m grids with sandbags before gluing. Uneven tension or unanchored turf may shrink or lift later.
Adhesive Application: Even, Thin, and Air-Free
Apply adhesive evenly using a rubber scraper (1.5–2mm thickness). Let the glue reach a “touch-dry” state before joining. Remove visible air bubbles before bonding.
Seam Pressing: Align Precisely and Roll Evenly
Align turf edges with ≤1mm deviation. Roll over seams with a 50kg rubber roller at low speed to expel trapped air. For low temperatures, gently warm seams with a heat gun to enhance curing.
Edge Treatment: Secure and Seal for Long-Term Stability
Edges are most prone to bubbling. Fix aluminum edge trims every 25cm and seal the joint with compatible sealant to prevent moisture infiltration. Trim corners at 45° angles for smooth bonding.
3. Post-Installation Maintenance: Preserving a Bubble-Free Surface
Even with perfect installation, improper post-care can cause delayed bubbling.
Curing Phase (24–48 hours): No Disturbance Allowed
Restrict access to the area during adhesive curing. Avoid stepping or placing heavy objects to prevent local detachment or uneven curing.
Early Use Phase (1–3 months): Inspect and Maintain Regularly
Inspect weekly for the first month, especially seams and edges. For small bubbles (<2mm), inject a small amount of adhesive and press flat. Avoid placing heavy loads in one area or cleaning with high-pressure water jets near seams.
4. VivaTurf’s Professional Anti-Bubbling Assurance System
VivaTurf ensures smooth, long-lasting non-infill turf installation through a three-tier guarantee—pre-assessment, standardized installation, and after-sales inspection.
Pre-Assessment: VivaTurf technicians use professional instruments to evaluate foundation conditions and issue a “Base Qualification Report” before installation.
Standardized Installation: Certified installers follow strict operating standards, with quality checkpoints for each stage (adhesive, tension, pressing, curing).
After-Sales Inspection: VivaTurf engineers conduct on-site inspections at 1, 3, and 6 months post-installation. Any non-human bubbling is repaired free of charge using professional injection and rolling techniques.
From Preparation to Maintenance: Zero-Bubble Assurance by Design
Preventing bubbling in non-infill artificial grass depends on meticulous attention to every step—foundation leveling, tension control, adhesive quality, and curing management. For clients lacking installation experience, choosing a professional system like VivaTurf’s “Standardized Installation + After-Sales Guarantee” ensures long-term flatness, superior performance, and a flawless appearance free from bubbling issues.